Question

how were two traits altered that resulted in modern day corn plants?

1. the number of branches and the number of flowers increased.
2. the number of branches and the amount of edible food decreased.
3. the number of branches decreased, but the amount of edible food increased.
4. the number of flowers decreased, but the number of branches increased.

(image of teosinte and corn plants with their produce structures)

Explanation:

To determine the altered traits in modern corn from teosinte, we analyze the structures: Teosinte has many branches and small edible structures, while modern corn has fewer branches (often one main branch) and a larger, more abundant edible ear (corn cob). Option 3 states "The number of branches decreased, but the amount of edible food increased," which matches this observation. Option 1 is incorrect (flowers don't increase in the same way). Option 2 is incorrect (edible food doesn't decrease). Option 4 is incorrect (branches don't increase).

Answer:

1. The number of branches decreased, but the amount of edible food increased.